I am a father, a social scientist, a community campaigner, a Councillor for the city of Newcastle and a lifelong advocate of progressive politics, social justice and environmental sustainability. I was privileged to represent the Newcastle Greens as your candidate in the 2016 Federal election, and I would welcome the opportunity to represent you again at the next election. Last year I was successfully elected as a Newcastle City Councillor. I have since served the city and the Newcastle Greens in representing the progressive movement in our region, providing a coherent voice for transformative social change, and securing positive social and environmental outcomes for our city.

The aggressive commitment to affordable housing by Newcastle Council has been heralded by Greens Councillor John Mackenzie as the defining achievement of this Council term to date.

“Everyone needs a home where they can feel secure, live comfortably and be part of the community,” said Councillor Mackenzie. “With so many now locked out of home ownership, we need better protections for renters, to make homes more affordable and to ensure affordable housing is available in areas with access to employment, health-care, public transport, schools and other social facilities.” Continue reading →

Newcastle Council has joined the national Ban the Bag campaign, joining forces with other Councils around NSW calling on the state government to implement a ban on single use plastic shopping bags.

Greens Councillor John Mackenzie argued that it was necessary Council to demonstrate leadership on the issue of plastic pollution, given that New South Wales is now the only state in Australia that has not committed to a ban on plastic bags. Continue reading →

NSW Greens Housing spokesperson, Jenny Leong MP says that ending ‘no grounds’ evictions in NSW is a simple reform that will provide much needed security for renters in Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter and across the state.

The Greens are kicking off a campaign to end ‘no grounds’ evictions with the launch of the rentersrights.org.au website.

“Many renters live in fear of being thrown out of their home, even when they pay rent on time and look after the property. These laws are unfair and out of date,” Ms Leong said.

“The review of NSW rental laws that is currently underway offers an opportunity to give renters more security and stability. Ending no grounds evictions is an immediate step that can be taken to help renters throughout this state.

“The Newcastle electorate has a very high proportion of renters, with 38% of dwellings occupied by tenants according to the most recent census data. This is one of the densest areas for renters outside inner Sydney, ranking 10th in NSW.

“In the neighbouring electorate of Port Stephens, 27% of households rent, and in the Upper Hunter it’s 28%.

“No grounds evictions allow landlords to evict good tenants with just 90 days notice on a rolling lease and just 30 days notice at the end of a lease – without giving any reason at all.

“Renters in most other OECD countries can live secure lives, knowing that they can put their kids through the local school while living in a rented family home, or retire without the threat of eviction hanging over their head.

“But in NSW, dodgy landlords can use ‘no grounds’ evictions as a loophole to kick out tenants if they ask for repairs, if they want to unreasonably increase the rent, or for no reason whatsoever.

“Low- and middle-income people increasingly can’t afford to buy homes. Long-term renting is a reality for many but our laws in NSW do not make it a secure option for people.

“In the Hunter, the boom and bust of the mining cycle has affected whole communities. When work is plentiful, homes are in short supply, and rents skyrocket. Long term tenants can be evicted by greedy landlords who want to double or triple the rent.

“Newcastle, like most Australian cities has seen house prices increase sharply. For anyone on the minimum wage, the median house price in Newcastle of $975,000 is firmly out of reach.

“Even more affordable suburbs like Stockton are now out of reach for low paid working families, where the average house price has reached $620,000.

“Because ordinary working people can no longer afford to buy a home, more and more people are becoming lifelong renters. There are more families with children living in rental homes than ever before. We need to ensure that renters can put down roots and contribute to their communities without the threat of eviction hanging over their heads,” she said.

BACKGROUND:

A review of the NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 is underway, with proposed reforms from the Government expected soon. Through the review process, The Greens have proposed a number of reforms <http://www.jennyleong.org/greens_rental_law_reform_campaign> to provide increased stability, security and choice for renters, and to improve standards for rental properties.

In February 2017, a study co-authored by CHOICE, the National Association of Tenants’ Organisations and National Shelter, titled Unsettled: Life in Australia’s private rental market<https://www.choice.com.au/money/property/renting/articles/choice-rental-market-report>, found that 83% of renters in Australia have no fixed-term lease or are on a lease less than 12 months long, and 62% feel they’re not in a position to ask for longer term rental security.

Newcastle and the Hunter Valley will be eligible for a major share of $250 million in upfront investment to support and assist coal workers and coal communities to manage the transition to a low carbon future under a plan announced by the Greens today.

According to Newcastle Greens candidate John Mackenzie, the Greens’ Renew Australia policy to provide 90% of our nation’s energy needs from clean, renewable sources by 2030 includes establishing a Clean Energy Transition Fund to limit the risk and exposure of workers and communities dependent on carbon-intensive industries like coal mining. Continue reading →

If you’re looking for a rad way to meet the best people Newcastle has to offer, spread the good word about the Greens (especially regarding our excellent candidates running in the Newcastle City Council Elections) and enjoy the lovely winter sun
– come join us for some door knocking.

It’s insightful, fun, and easier than you think. You’ll get a a quick run through, a door knocking buddy, some Greens gear to wear, and off you go…

If you have a few hours this weekend you can join us~ Saturday 26 Aug 1pm, meet in Heaton Park Jesmond near KFC~ Sunday 27 Aug 1pm, meet in the park on the cnr of Glebe Rd & Bryant St Adamstown

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If door knocking isn’t your speed, never fear! We are also looking for vollies to do a few phone arounds Monday and Tuesday nights 5:30 -7:30 pm at Pachamama.

Absolutely no experience necessary; everything you need will be provided, and you get Free Pizza!

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We also need people, lots and lots of people, to help out on Election Day, 9 September, to handout atour election booths.

For more info about any of the aboveyou can contact Stevye, our volunteer coordinatorPh/txt: 0403 628 793
email: newcastlegreens.volunteer@gmail.com